It started at a roundabout, with a white van driver. The van was
sign-written. Word to the wise, if you're going to drive like a
knob-end, don't advertise who you are.
So I wrote:
Kindly purchase a copy of the Highway Code for the driver of your van
who attempted to run me off the road at the roundabout in West End at
lunchtime today.
He clearly needs reminding that he has to give priority to traffic
approaching from the right, and that in this case, traffic INCLUDES
CYCLISTS.
Highway Code Rule 161 applies, should he be too hard of thinking to work
this out.
And, if he claims that he did not see me, despite my wearing a
fluorescent jacket, arrange to have his eyes tested.
And received a very quick reply:
I was driving the van on Saturday, and I apologise for nearly hitting
you. Two things caused this incident, firstly I didn't judge your speed
correctly and thought I had enough time to pull out, and secondly you
gave no hand signals that I saw, so I had no idea you were intending to
take the West End road turning.
You must have seen that I accellerated hard to get out of your way when
I realised that you were travelling at speed, and your reaction was over
the top. If you want car drivers to respect you, I suggest you spend
more signaling than shouting.
-So we see, if in danger of a collision, add more energy to the mix.
Brilliant.
And so:
Your apology and explanation started so well. I could almost have
believed that you could not judge my speed, on such a clear day, with me
wearing such visible clothing. Unfortunately, then you went on to spoil
the effect.
Had I signalled before you started to move onto the roundabout, the
signal would have indicated that I intended to leave the roundabout at
the road from which you were entering. This would have encouraged you
to continue. In fact, the only information you needed was that I was
not leaving at this exit, and would be continuing round the roundabout,
exercising my priority at the junction. By the time I was in the
correct position to signal to leave at West End Road, you were pulling
out in front of me. I judged therefore, that keeping my hands on the
bars and maintaining control was a better approach, whilst shouting to
alert you to my presence.
I noticed that, having drawn almost level with me, you still failed to
yield; instead you chose to try and race me to my exit and bully me out
of your way. Shouting again was appropriate to remind you of my
presence, I'm sure your van has a horn for the same purpose. I would
suggest that my suggestion that you learn to drive properly was entirely
appropriate, having just had my existence threatened by your impatience.
Whether you respect me, other cyclists, or other road users is of little
concern to me. My concern is that you drive safely, considerately, and
in accordance with the law and the Highway Code. That way, it is
possible to anticipate your actions and proceed safely.
-I await.